G6.1 Principal applicants (29/09/2003)

1. Principal applicants in the General Skills category must meet a minimum standard of English to ensure their English language ability is sufficient to assist them to successfully settle in New Zealand.
2. Applications in the General Skills category must be declined if the principal applicant has not met the minimum standard of English, unless (c) applies.
3. Principal applicants in the General Skills category who do not meet the minimum standard of English may instead pre-purchase ESOL tuition if, at the date their residence application is lodged, they:
   1. have, for the 12 months before the date the residence application is lodged, been employed full time in an occupation in New Zealand in which English was the language of employment, and that employment is relevant to the qualification for which points are being awarded (see G4.1.5); and
   2. submit evidence of that (see G6.5.5), and
   3. meet all other requirements for approval under the General Skills category.

      Note: "Employment" in the context of English language requirements policy does not include self employment.

G6.1.1 Partners and dependent children

Partners and dependent children aged 16 and older, who are included in General Skills category applications, may either:

1. show that they meet a minimum standard of English to ensure their English language ability is sufficient to assist them to successfully settle in New Zealand, or
2. pre-purchase ESOL training, or
3. show they have an English speaking background (see G6.5.1).

Effective 29/09/2003